JUFOF - Issue 227 - 2016 05

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof journal für ufo-forschung
Issue: Nr. 227 (Jg. 37)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Price: 4,50 Euro

This issue of 'jufof' (Journal for UFO Research) focuses on a blend of historical and contemporary UFO reports, alongside reflections on the field's development and key figures.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Danny Ammon, reflects on the enduring nature of the UFO topic, which has engaged multiple generations. It notes the transition from handwritten correspondence and mimeographed publications to the digital age of instant information exchange. A somber tone is struck with the passing of Werner Walter, a researcher from the generation that advanced UFO research in Germany during the 1970s and 1980s. While acknowledging the controversial stance of his organization, CENAP, as a skeptical organization and the criticism it faced for its online publications, the editorial emphasizes the significant work Walter and CENAP did before the internet era. Hans-Werner Peiniger, the first chairman of GEP, contributes a personal obituary for Walter. The editorial also highlights an article by Ulrich Magin that examines the claim that the term 'flying saucer' was first used in relation to the 1878 sighting of farmer John Martin in Denison, Texas, 69 years before Kenneth Arnold's famous account. The issue promises current case documentations, news, and book reviews. It concludes with holiday wishes.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations)

This section details several recent UFO observations from Germany:

• Opperhausen (June 14, 2016): A wildlife camera captured unusual phenomena in a garden. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger concluded that the 'object' was an insect (spider) illuminated by the camera's infrared LEDs, creating an overexposed, blurry white structure. The witness noted the garden appeared unusually bright and a beam of light reached the ground, but the analysis suggests it was a reflection from the insect itself.
• Düsseldorf-Mörsenbroich (August 28, 2016): A reddish light phenomenon was photographed. The witness described a sudden storm with lightning, thunder, and hail, but the observation was made later when the lights were visible. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger identified it as a reflection from a lighting effect device.
• Düsseldorf-Unterrath (September 8, 2016): A ring-shaped object composed of multiple lights was observed and photographed. The witness's daughter saw it while returning home from work. The analysis by Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests it was also a reflection from a lighting effect device, noting that these can produce various colored reflections.
• Dresden (May 13, 2016): A witness named Karin R. photographed an object during her holiday flight from Dresden to Palma di Mallorca. She initially did not notice the object until reviewing the photos later. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger determined that the photograph was taken on the ground at Dresden Airport before the flight, showing lighting equipment on a mast on the apron, not a flying object.
• Berlin (December 24, 2015): A witness named Carlos R. photographed unusual lights near the Victory Column in Berlin during a long-exposure shot with a friend. The analysis by Hans-Werner Peiniger identified these as lens reflections within the camera's objective, characteristic of such photographic conditions, especially when the light source is not directly observed.

Werner Walter verstorben (Werner Walter Passed Away)

This section contains a personal obituary for Werner Walter by Hans-Werner Peiniger. It highlights Walter's significant contributions to German UFO research, particularly his work with CENAP. The obituary acknowledges the controversies surrounding CENAP's online publications but stresses Walter's foundational role in the field before the internet age.

John Martins Sichtung (John Martin's Sighting)

This article, by Ulrich Magin, investigates the historical sighting reported by farmer John Martin in Denison, Texas, on January 25, 1878. The report, published in the Denison Daily News, describes a strange phenomenon observed by Martin. Magin examines the claim that this event marks the first use of the term 'flying saucer,' 69 years before Kenneth Arnold's sighting, where Arnold described objects flying 'like saucers skipping across water.' The article notes that Arnold's objects were more crescent-shaped.

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

• IAUAPR gegründet (IAUAPR Founded): This brief note announces the establishment of the IAUAPR, though details are minimal.

Das Untertassenjahr 1954 (The Saucer Year 1954)

This article, an addition to previous contributions by Ulrich Magin, focuses on the UFO reports from Germany in 1954, referred to as 'The Saucer Year.' André Kramer and Hans-Werner Peiniger have compiled additional reports from this year, presenting them in a tabular overview. This section aims to provide a comprehensive look at the UFO activity in Germany during that significant year.

Literatur (Literature)

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and extraterrestrial hypotheses:

• Die Alien-Hypothese (The Alien Hypothesis): A review of a book exploring the alien hypothesis.
• Die biologischen Geheimnisse der Alien (The Biological Secrets of Aliens): A review of a book focusing on the biological aspects of aliens.
• Die Erde – ein Projekt der Aliens? (Earth – A Project of Aliens?): A review of a book that posits Earth as a project of aliens.

Aus dem Posteingang (From the Inbox)

Hans-Werner Peiniger discusses the process of evaluating YouTube videos and extracted images sent by readers seeking an assessment. He explains that while GEP generally prefers to comment only on cases with comprehensive information and credible witness testimony, they often provide a personal assessment to be helpful. He uses the example of a video showing a Russian fighter jet being shot down by Turkish forces, which was sent for analysis. Peiniger then analyzes a video of an object moving at high speed, which the sender believed was not an insect due to its geometry and lack of thermal signatures. Peiniger, however, concludes it was likely an insect, pointing to structures in the image that suggest wingbeats, and questions the sender's ability to detect the absence of thermal signatures from the video alone. He asserts that his extensive experience in analyzing similar videos gives him more expertise than the sender, who identified himself as a Dipl.-Ing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis of photographic and video evidence of UFOs, the importance of historical UFO cases, and the ongoing research efforts by organizations like GEP. The editorial stance, as expressed by Danny Ammon and the analyses by Hans-Werner Peiniger, emphasizes a critical yet open approach to UFO phenomena, prioritizing evidence-based investigation and debunking misidentifications while acknowledging the complexity and historical significance of the topic. There is a clear focus on scientific methodology and a cautious interpretation of evidence, often identifying mundane explanations for reported sightings.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 227 from August 2016, is dedicated to the memory of Werner Walter, a prominent figure in German UFO research, who passed away on November 7, 2016, at the age of 59. The issue also features articles on historical UFO sightings and the etymology of the term "flying saucer."

Werner Walter Verstorben

This extensive article, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, serves as an obituary and a tribute to Werner Walter. Peiniger recounts his long-standing friendship and collaboration with Walter, beginning in the early 1970s. Peiniger's own interest in astronomy and science fiction led him to UFO topics, prompting him to found the "UFO-Jugendclub Lüdenscheid" in 1972 at the age of 15. He discovered that a contemporary, Werner Walter in Mannheim, shared a similar passion.

Walter's own UFO interest was sparked in 1973 by sighting a trapezoidal object. He co-founded the "Private UFO-Forschungsgruppe Mannheim" with Hansjürgen Köhler, which evolved into CENAP in 1976, while the "UFO-Jugendclub" became the GEP. Initially, both groups relied on the DUIST (Deutsche UFO/IFO Studiengesellschaft e.V.) in Wiesbaden for UFO literature and contact reports. Through the DUIST's publication, "UFO-Nachrichten," they found each other and established contact, exchanging numerous letters. Walter joined the GEP in 1974, and regular meetings between CENAP and GEP members took place, fostering a close exchange before the advent of the internet.

Over time, both Walter and Peiniger recognized that the UFO worldview shaped by DUIST did not align with their understanding of UFO research. They sought to implement their own ideas within CENAP and GEP, laying the groundwork for critical UFO research in Germany. The following three decades were characterized by parallel research efforts, constructive collaboration, joint conferences, and friendly interactions, punctuated by lighthearted banter.

Werner Walter amassed a remarkable knowledge of the historical context of the UFO phenomenon and intensified his study of stimulus-kenne (stimulus knowledge). Peiniger describes him as a "walking UFO lexicon," a level of knowledge he felt he would never reach. Walter dedicated himself to the subject, learning English to access foreign-language texts and providing the UFO community with extensive translated material, particularly on well-known international cases. He was committed to factual clarification, conducted field investigations, and performed intensive case research, handling over 4,000 UFO sightings.

However, Walter later adopted a radically skeptical stance towards UFO sightings, which Peiniger suggests may have stemmed from frustration and annoyance with certain UFO enthusiasts, including some who issued threats. Walter's publications became increasingly difficult to understand, and his topics sometimes strayed from the core UFO subject. This led to a formal distancing from the GEP.

Peiniger notes that Walter often expressed being annoyed and frustrated, even contemplating quitting the hobby. The harassment and death threats from UFO fans significantly affected him, likely contributing to his declining health. A stroke in March 2014 led to his placement in a nursing home, forcing him to put his hobby on hold. He later re-emerged, publishing press releases, but this resurgence was short-lived. After another stroke and surgery, Werner Walter passed away on November 7, 2016.

Peiniger expresses his deep sadness at the loss of his long-time companion, with whom he shared laughter, arguments, late-night discussions, and the launching of model hot-air balloons. He remembers Walter as an honest person focused on exposing misinformation and combating commercial exploitation. Peiniger concludes that Walter significantly shaped critical UFO research in Germany, and his influence will be felt for decades to come.

Publications Overview

This section lists Werner Walter's publications and contributions:

• "UFOs: Die Wahrheit" (UFOs: The Truth): Published by Heel Verlag (1996), Bertelsmann (1996), and Goldmann (1998).
• CENAP-Report (1976–2002): 283 issues, available online.
• Online-CENAP-Report / CENAP-Newsflash (2002-2007): 26+26 issues.
• Contributions to "Journal für UFO-Forschung":
• "Gerüchte um die NASA-Weltraumunternehmungen" (Rumors about NASA Space Missions), jufof 3/1980.
• "Die Ufologie – eine Ersatzreligion?" (Ufology – A Substitute Religion?), jufof 4/1980, 5/1980.
• "Der Otis-T.-Carr-Bluff", jufof 12/1980.
• "Nichts Neues vom CIA" (Nothing New from the CIA), jufof 1/1981.
• "GEP interviewt Werner Walter (CENAP)", jufof 1/1981.
• "Stehen wir vor einer Lösung des UFO-Problems?" (Are We Facing a Solution to the UFO Problem?), jufof 4/1981.
• "Standpunkte zur UFO-Forschung und Prä-Astronautik, Teil 7: Werner Walter", jufof 5/1990.

John Martins Sichtung – die erste fliegende Untertasse?

This article by Ulrich Magin examines the claim that American farmer John Martin was the first to describe a UFO as a "flying saucer" in 1878. Magin traces the origin of this claim to Donald E. Keyhoe's 1950 book "The Flying Saucers are real," which cited a report from the Denison Daily News dated January 25, 1878. Other authors, including Jacques Vallée and John Spencer, have also referenced Martin's sighting.

Magin presents the original text from the Denison Daily News, which describes Martin observing a dark object that appeared to be the size of an orange and grew larger. He compared its speed and movement to a balloon. The article notes that Martin described the object as being "about the size of a large saucer" when it was directly overhead. Magin argues that "saucer" was used purely as a size comparison, similar to other contemporary comparisons like "as large as a plate" or "as big as a coffee-saucer," and did not imply a disc shape. He concludes that Martin did not describe a "flying saucer" and that the term was a common metaphor for large, round objects at the time.

The article also includes a section on "Saucer-Sized Sea Monster Eyes," highlighting how the term "saucer" was frequently used in the 19th century to describe the large eyes of sea creatures. Magin suggests that the widespread use of this metaphor makes it unlikely that John Martin was the first to use it in relation to a UFO.

The Saucer Year 1954 in Germany – An Addendum

This article by André Kramer supplements previous articles by Ulrich Magin on UFO sightings in 1954. Kramer adds several cases from his archive, sourced from the "Passauer Neue Presse – Niederbayrische Zeitung."

• August 28, 1954 (Schwaben, Germany): Witnesses reported nocturnal light phenomena with erratic, zig-zagging maneuvers, varying intensity and colors (red to green). The sighting lasted about 45 minutes.
• September 3, 1954 (Zwiesel, Bavaria, Germany): A police officer observed a rocket-like object flying low over the town, disappearing behind a mountain. It emitted green light and a red trail, moving at high speed.
• September 24 and 27, 1954 (Passau, Germany & Linz, Austria): Multiple nocturnal light phenomena were reported. Witnesses described moon-like discs that hovered, then shot downwards, leaving a triangular smoke trail. Others saw fiery discs with flames, some with domes, that flew back and forth. In Linz, witnesses saw fast-flying, illuminated discs that stopped abruptly.
• October 1954 (Epinal, France): A Czech worker claimed to have met an alien who spoke Russian and led him to a saucer-shaped craft. The craft consisted of two stacked discs with a periscope. The alien then departed vertically at high speed.

Further Additions by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This section provides additional UFO sighting reports:

• June 8, 1954 (Freilingen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany): A witness in a car saw a stationary object in the sky that suddenly moved at high speed, paused, descended, and then ascended into a cloud. The object was described as white with a sharp, black dome.
• July 10, 1954 (Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany): Reliable witnesses observed a disc-shaped object emitting a matt bluish light, flying silently northward under the clouds.
• August 1954 (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany): Two schoolgirls saw a silent, elliptical object, the size of a living room, hovering over the town. It had a silvery, bright appearance and seemed to have a tail-like extension.

Short Notes: Current Reports

• International Association of U.A.P. Researchers founded: In September 2016, the IAUAPR was established in the USA, with Ted Roe, Director of NARCAP, as a driving force. The organization aims to promote international research and scientific processing of UAPs, planning to publish a peer-reviewed journal.
• GEP-Insider: For members, GEP-Insider No. 98 is included, featuring topics like the GEP members' meeting and a photo shoot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the historical aspects of UFO research in Germany, paying tribute to a key figure, Werner Walter. The articles highlight the importance of critical analysis and factual reporting in the field. There's a clear effort to debunk sensationalism and commercial exploitation, as exemplified by the analysis of the "flying saucer" term. The inclusion of historical sighting reports from the 1950s underscores the journal's commitment to documenting and understanding the UFO phenomenon from its early days. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation, honoring pioneers while critically examining claims.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 5-2016, Issue Nr. 227, focuses on UFO sightings from 1954 and includes reviews of books related to the alien hypothesis and extraterrestrial biology.

Case Reports from 1954

The issue details several UFO sightings from 1954, primarily in Germany. A report from August 5, 1954, describes Erwin F.'s sighting of a silent, disc-shaped object over Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, flying at an estimated altitude of over 4000 meters with a constant course and speed.

A follow-up report on the June 9, 1954, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen case, previously featured in issue Nr. 216, describes a hand-sized, yellowish-white, gleaming object observed by customs assistant Rudolph Markus and former German pilot Herr Rösle. The object flew a parabolic path, suddenly reduced speed, rotated, and disappeared quickly. Herr Rösle noted the object's ability to change direction without banking, ruling out conventional aircraft or weather balloons.

Another significant report details the August 8, 1954, sighting in Bad Hersfeld, Hessen, by photographer Albrecht Steiner. Steiner captured three images of a "flying saucer" which he described as fluttering at an altitude of 600-1000 meters. The object performed a half-looping maneuver before flying horizontally northeast. Steiner's photographs were later examined by photo editor Karl Werner Lengemann, who confirmed they were unaltered. The enlarged photographs reportedly resemble an inflated rubber tire.

Book Reviews

"Die Alien-Hypothese: Eine Wahrscheinlichkeitsanalyse" by Klaus Piontzik and Claude Bärtels

This review, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, discusses a book that approaches the UFO phenomenon from a probabilistic and scientific standpoint. The authors, an engineer and a biochemist/biophysicist, aim to analyze the likelihood of extraterrestrial visitation rather than simply cataloging sightings. They begin with an overview of official UFO investigations and projects, drawing information primarily from the internet and Wikipedia. The core of the book lies in its mathematical "size estimations using statistical methods." The authors' calculations suggest that under 11.625 million star systems, one might contain a "second Earth." Further calculations narrow this down to 1.406 to 1.468 million star systems containing a "second Earth" with intelligent life. The reviewer notes that the book includes a chapter on the Montauk Project, which he considers superfluous. While acknowledging the authors' potentially superficial knowledge of the UFO phenomenon, Peiniger finds their probabilistic approach interesting, though he is not entirely clear on the practical implications of their findings. The authors conclude that the Fermi Paradox is outdated and that life is abundant in the galaxy, recommending the development of anti-gravity drives and hyper-radio for communication with extraterrestrials.

"Die biologischen Geheimnisse der Alien: Die erste wissenschaftliche Abhandlung" by Hubert Rehm (alias Siegfried Bär)

This review, written by Hubert Rehm himself, discusses a book by Hubert Rehm (writing as Siegfried Bär) that focuses on the biology of the xenomorphs from the "Alien" film series. Rehm, a biochemist and mathematician, approaches the subject by analyzing the fictional creatures as if they were real biological entities. The reviewer clarifies that the book is not about actual extraterrestrial visitors or UFOs but rather a scientific-style examination of fictional aliens, drawing inspiration from the "Alien" film franchise (parts 1-4). The book is described as a mix of fantastic and zoological literature, exploring the possibility of classifying these fictional beings within terrestrial biological systems. Rehm suggests a possible evolutionary link between the xenomorphs and terrestrial monitor lizards, specifically the Komodo dragon, and also draws comparisons with insects and naked mole-rats, citing eusociality. The reviewer notes that Rehm treats the fictional universe as a source of factual information, sometimes leading to seemingly arbitrary explanations for the aliens' characteristics, such as attributing differences to "queen hormones" rather than the host's influence. The review highlights the book's humorous and ironic tone, though the reviewer admits he cannot fully assess the accuracy of the biological claims. The book is positioned as a complement to other works exploring the "Alien" universe, though its style differs significantly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently presents UFO phenomena with a scientific and analytical approach, as evidenced by the probabilistic analysis in "Die Alien-Hypothese" and the detailed examination of fictional alien biology in Rehm's book. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging researchers to explore various facets of the UFO topic, including scientific modeling and the cultural impact of alien narratives. The inclusion of a comprehensive list of 1954 UFO sightings across German-speaking regions underscores the journal's commitment to documenting and cataloging such events.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 5-2016, Nr. 227, published by GEP e.V. in Germany, focuses on reviews of books concerning UFOs and alien phenomena. The price for this issue is 13,99 €.

Book Review: 'Alien' Film Biology Analysis

T.A. Günter reviews a book that delves into the biology of the Xenomorph from the 'Alien' films. While acknowledging the author's attempt to go beyond mere film analysis into broader topics like future medical problems, cryo-sleep, and burial rites, Günter finds the author's writing style inconsistent and occasionally off-putting, particularly a comment on refugee aid which he deems unnecessary and indicative of a potentially problematic worldview. The reviewer also notes the author's consistent use of 'Alien' in the singular, even when referring to the plural, which he considers a stylistic flaw. A significant criticism is the complete lack of visual material, such as anatomical diagrams or cartoons, which Günter believes would have greatly enhanced the book's understanding and appeal. He concludes that while the idea is interesting, the book's shortcomings prevent a full recommendation, leaving him with an ambivalent feeling.

The book is described as 202 pages, paperback, with ISBN 978-3741823244, published in Berlin in 2016 by self-publishing/epubli.

Book Review: 'The Earth – An Alien Project?' by Timothy Good

Hans-Werner Peiniger reviews Timothy Good's extensive book, 'The Earth – An Alien Project? The Shocking Truth Behind the Greatest Cover-Up in Human History.' Peiniger expresses initial hope for new material on conspiracy theories but is disappointed to find the book largely filled with accounts from the 1950s and 60s, reminiscent of classic UFO contactee literature. He notes that the book presents numerous cases of alleged alien contact and spaceship encounters, often featuring idealized, human-like aliens who communicate messages of harmony and love. Peiniger criticizes Good for a perceived lack of critical analysis, presenting dubious UFO photos, and even suggests deliberate deception. He highlights the Monguzzi photos from July 31, 1952, as an example, pointing out that Good fails to mention Monguzzi's later confession that the 'glacier' was plaster and the 'spaceship' a cardboard model. Peiniger believes Good, given his research background, must have known this information and deliberately omitted it, thus deceiving readers. He also criticizes Good for citing questionable witnesses like Philip J. Corso and for including outlandish claims, such as a secret German-American space program director originating from Venus. The review concludes that while the book might offer details for seasoned UFO researchers, it presents a fabricated alien world to the uninformed, based on half-truths and unproven stories, and does not represent proper UFO research.

The book is described as 592 pages, hardcover, with illustrations, ISBN 978-3864452703, priced at 22,95 €, published by Kopp-Verlag, Rottenburg, 2016.

Book Announcement: 'Vorsicht Verschwörung!' by André Kramer

This section announces André Kramer's book, 'Vorsicht Verschwörung!' (Caution Conspiracy!), which examines conspiracy theories, UFOs, Atlantis, and Paleo-SETI in the context of right-wing extremist infiltration. The book aims to present and refute right-wing extremist conspiracy theories on fringe science topics. It poses questions such as whether UFOs and abductions are part of a Nazi breeding program, if ancient gods were 'Aryan astronauts,' and the nature of 'Reichsflugscheiben' (Nazi flying discs). The book is 188 pages, paperback, DIN A5, with 39 color illustrations, ISBN 978-3-923862-43-6, priced at 15,00 € (12,00 € for GEP members). Orders can be placed via the GEP-Shop.

Book Announcement: 'GOOD UFO' by Sebastian Hartmann

Sebastian Hartmann's book, 'GOOD UFO: Observations of Interesting Unidentifiable Flying Objects,' is presented. Hartmann, a GEP member and media design student, created this book as his Bachelor's thesis. 'GOOD UFO' showcases interesting UFO cases with witness reports, sketches, images, and analyses from UFO research groups. It includes material from the GEP archive. The book is 170 pages plus 31 appendices, full-color, limited edition of 300 copies, priced at 39,95 € including shipping. More information is available at www.behance.net/gallery/33324693/GOOD-UFO.

About GEP and jufof

The journal also provides information about the GEP (Society for the Research of the UFO Phenomenon), described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research. It details the GEP's methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and interdisciplinary work with authorities and institutions. The 'jufof' journal itself is described as a publication that has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. Each issue includes documentation of sightings, their classification, and case studies, alongside scientific and methodological reports on the UFO phenomenon, case investigations, and international reports. It also features a review and reader letter section.

What is a UFO?

A definition of a UFO is provided: it is the perceived observation of an object or light in the sky or on land whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminous behavior cannot be logically or conventionally explained, and which remains unidentifiable even after thorough examination by technically capable individuals using common sense.

Reporting a UFO

Instructions are given on how to report UFO sightings. Contact can be made via a 24/7 hotline at 02351-23377, email to [email protected], or through the websites www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de, where users can also find web forums and chats. The organization assures prompt contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly through book reviews. The editorial stance is clearly critical and analytical, as evidenced by the detailed critiques of the reviewed books. The journal emphasizes scientific methodology, factual reporting, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims or hoaxes within the UFO field. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between credible research and sensationalism or conspiracy theories, particularly those with potential right-wing extremist links.